Chapter 24 An Accident Has Occurred!

“Am I short-sighted?” Yao Da’s wife could no longer contain her anger, “Don’t I care about my own husband? It’s not like you can just ignore it while your niece and nephew go without meat!”

In their home, the couple, Yao Anguo and his wife, doted most on their youngest daughter, Yao Simeng, ensuring that she got the best food. Even their grandchildren had to take a backseat—after all, as adults, they had to look after their own children’s needs!

“Older sister, second sister, let’s not get angry!” Yao Simeng interjected. “I still have some meat in my room; I can share the jerky with my niece and nephew!”

She was resolute—no matter what, her brother could not go!

Moreover, she was determined to replace the one who had caused all the commotion earlier.

Yao Da and Yao Er exchanged glances. Though they still felt angry, the thought of their children getting some jerky made them quiet down.

Just then, Yao’s mother called for everyone outside, and the few of them hurried out.

In the room remained only the pregnant Jiang Yuman and Yao San’s wife.

Yao San’s wife looked at Jiang Yuman, hesitating, and asked, “Do you think he should go or not?”

Unlike her two sisters-in-law, she was bolder and hotter-tempered. She firmly believed this was an opportunity.

Before, she was uncertain about the villagers going up the mountain, thinking no one had any backing.

But the situation was different now.

Jiang Yuman couldn’t give a definite suggestion; all she could say was, “It’s up to you. Anyway, both Jingchen and my father shoot well.”

“I still want my husband to go up,” Yao San’s wife gritted her teeth.

“Fortune favors the bold; I’m about to give birth, and I need to eat well.”

She couldn’t expect Yao’s mother to provide more; most of her mother-in-law’s attention was on her daughter. The little portion left was with the other two households, and her own third household got nothing. She couldn’t just think about herself; she had to consider her soon-to-be-born child as well.

Thus, Yao San’s wife made up her mind and found an opportunity to talk to Yao Zhenjiang about it. He registered to participate right after.

Yao Anguo felt relieved when he learned that his youngest son had signed up, even though the oldest and second son weren’t going. If none of his three sons went, others would surely laugh at them.

But Yao Simeng was incredibly upset.

At dinner, she shot glances at Yao San’s wife, feeling frustrated at having such a harmful person in the family.

She tried her best to persuade her brother, “Third brother, there’s no organization for hunting wild boars; it’s just a disorganized mess. It’s very dangerous. You really shouldn’t go!”

Yao Zhenjiang scoffed, “With so many people, what could go wrong? Plus, there’s Fu Jingchen; we’ll be fine.”

Men had a good sense about each other, and Yao Zhenjiang sensed Fu Jingchen’s abilities right from their first meeting. Now he was learning just how extraordinary Fu Jingchen was as a soldier.

Seeing her brother’s indifference made Yao Simeng so angry that she bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.

Yao Da and Yao Er immediately noticed and chimed in, “Oh dear sister, you’re making a fuss over nothing. It’s late; don’t cry.”

Yao’s mother, heartbroken for her daughter, echoed, “Old Three, your sister is saying this for your good; you really shouldn’t go.”

Yao Zhenjiang regarded his little sister’s tears with annoyance, opening his mouth to promise he wouldn’t go.

“No!” At that moment, Yao San’s wife slammed her palm on the table and stood up:

“Mom and Dad, little sister, you don’t care about anything we do normally, but now when I want to hunt wild boars, you’re trying to stop me?”

“Old Three’s wife!” Yao’s mother’s expression darkened, “What kind of talk is that? Old Three is my son; can’t I manage him?”

Yao San’s wife looked to her husband for support, “If you still think I’m your wife, then you should listen to me.”

“Alright, Mom, let’s stop this; I’m going,” Yao Zhenjiang declared, eager to end the family quarrel.

“Third sister-in-law, you will definitely regret this!” Yao Simeng snapped, upset, and left the dining room without touching her food. Yao’s mother hurried after her.

Yao San’s wife acted as if she hadn’t heard her.

The next morning, the confirmed list of participants still included Yao Zhenjiang’s name.

Upon learning this, Yao San’s wife went to find Jiang Yuman and shared the news, feeling somewhat pleased.

“In our family, we’re always neglected and unappreciated; no matter how much we do, it pales in comparison to what others say. This time, regardless of the outcome, it’s up to us.”

She had completely made up her mind.

Jiang Yuman nodded, “As long as you’re determined.”

They chatted for a few more minutes, and then Yao San’s wife mentioned that she wouldn’t be going to work for the next few days but would instead make clothes at home.

The grain distributed to the Yao family was managed daily by Yao’s mother.

This time, the eggs and brown sugar Jiang Yuman had given were being saved by Yao San’s wife. Compared to the current situation, what Jiang Yuman had was undoubtedly more significant.

When it was night and they went to bed, Jiang Yuman brought up the subject with Fu Jingchen.

“The baby is due soon, so I was thinking, maybe we can have Yao San’s wife make some clothes for the baby?”

As he helped her press her legs, he answered, “If you think it’s a good idea, then go ahead.”

“You truly are accommodating!” Jiang Yuman sighed with a mix of admiration and amusement.

Given the chaos outside and the people in the yard, she often marveled at how fortunate she was to be with the Fu family.

Fu Jingchen smiled back at her; his handsome features were even more charming when he grinned.

Jiang Yuman still remembered how he had the cold water splash on him that day; she didn’t dare to tease him further now.

Quickly lowering her head, she reminded herself to be decorous.

As night fell and the lights were put out, Jiang Yuman curled up in Fu Jingchen’s arms, trying not to move around like before.

However, she was wide awake and couldn’t resist tracing circles on his chest with her fingers.

With a mix of helplessness and fondness in his eyes, Fu Jingchen, who couldn’t do much since there was a little one in Jiang Yuman’s belly, held her hand firmly to stop her from teasing him further.

His hands were large enough to envelop hers, the calluses in his palms speaking of his military life.

“Tomorrow’s wild boar hunt is dangerous. Your safety is the foremost priority, understand?” Jiang Yuman finally couldn’t keep quiet any longer.

She didn’t mind Zhou Yun’s jibes or the distrust of the Yao family. All she hoped for was Fu Jingchen’s well-being…

Fu Jingchen opened his eyes in the dark. “I know; don’t worry.”

He cared about her and the baby. Without enough confidence, he wouldn’t have agreed to hunt wild boars.

Hunting wild boars wasn’t just for the meat; it was to protect her and the village.

There was a natural conviction in his voice that reassured Jiang Yuman greatly.

With the weight on her heart lifting, she closed her eyes and began to doze off.

Just when she was about to fall asleep, torches suddenly lit outside, accompanied by chaotic footsteps.

Many people in the courtyard were awakened.

Looking out the window, she saw that the people were all headed towards the Yao house.

“Captain, something has happened!”